Hudson, 38, was having a solid year for the Atlanta Braves when his season ended in late July due to an ugly ankle injury at first base. He is expected to be ready to go by spring training, but the Braves declined to make a qualifying offer on him. His four-year, $36 million contract expired at the end of the season.

The three-time All-Star finished the year with an 8-7 record and a 3.97 ERA. He has a 205-111 career record in 14 seasons. His .649 winning percentage ranks 10th-best among pitchers with at least 300 career decisions.

"Of course, Boston is already very well-stocked with starting pitching, having just won with six guys manning five spots," Heyman points out. "The Red Sox have to do something to make room for Hudson if they could make a deal with him."

The Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals are among other teams reportedly interested in Hudson, who joined the Braves in 2005 after six seasons with the Oakland A's.